Easter Lendon

Remember Lendon the veteran? (If not, click here) He is without fail at the McDonald's around holidays, so this morning, he was there, with his little McDonald's sandwich box open and filled with the mini chocolate bars he gives out (every holiday). He waved us over, and gave the boys a little chocolate bar each, and then (again) said what a nice family I have. He said: "Oh, this is such a nice family you have! You're lucky." Then he looked at Jaxon's eyes and remarked with surprise, "Hey, this one has brown eyes like me!" And I smiled and said, "They all do." Then he smiled at me and said, "You are lucky to have this family. You keep them close." And of course I thanked him and just grinned (trying not to laugh, too, because I love that he tells me this every time I see him), and then he ended our short little visit by saying, "You keep smiling. And don't cut your hair."

I was happy to see him today. He hadn't come for a long time, and I was beginning to wonder. I still do wonder sometimes if he's got all his faculties about him, but most of the time, I don't care. Everything he says is so sweet, so positive, that every conversation with him makes my day a little happier. Today, when he was telling me how great my family was, I felt a little ache for him, just because it appears his family is not nearby. It reminded me of the lesson we had in Young Women yesterday, which was about strengthening ties with our extended relatives. I feel, in a way, like I have several extended relatives who aren't related to me by blood, but to whom I feel drawn to because of their spirits. I always get the feeling that just as we are meant to be with our families, there are friends we are meant to have. It makes loneliness scarce.

I love you, friends!